Alleged ATM bombers to apply for bail, police hunt rest of gang
Service Mashilo (34) and Ben Thobejane (38) were arrested in connection with 10 serious and violent cases of murder, ATM bombings, safe blasting and business robberies, allegedly committed in the Sekhukhune District Municipality over a period of several months.
STEELPOORT – The case against two alleged ATM bombers has been postponed by the Sekhukhune Magistrate’s Court.
Service Mashilo (34) and Ben Thobejane (38) were arrested in connection with 10 serious and violent cases of murder, ATM bombings, safe blasting and business robberies, allegedly committed in the Sekhukhune District Municipality over a period of several months.
On Wednesday, the case was postponed to July 8 for bail application and for further police investigations. The
suspects still remain in custody.
“These suspects are believed to be part of a gang of criminals that has been terrorising members of the
community, especially the business sector in and around the Sekhukhune area. They were apprehended at their houses during the tactical intelligence-driven joint operation conducted by the SAPS, the Limpopo provincial tracking team and investigations unit, the SAPS Limpopo Highway Patrol team and members of the Jane Furse Police Station,” said Limpopo SAPS spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe.
Several items, such as plasma TVs, clothing, cell phones and a fridge that had reportedly been stolen from various retail stores and residences, were recovered during the arrest.
“The preliminary SAPS investigations further indicated that one of the suspects is on bail for ATM
bombing case that took place at Mahlakung Plaza in the Sekororo area, under the Maake
Policing Precinct outside Tzaneen in the Mopani District Municipality, during October,” said Ngoepe.
The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Limpopo, Lt Thembi Hadebe, praised the sterling job done by this team of detectives.
“We will keep fighting these criminals until they are behind bars and find no space to operate in Limpopo,” he said.
The suspects may still be linked to other similar cases in the province. The hunt for the remaining suspects and police investigations are still under way.
Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of any other members of the gang, may contact Det Sgt Phaladi Makola on 082-749-2233 or Lt Col Richard Boshomane.
on 079-894-5501, or the Crime Stop number on 08600-10111. Alternatively, visit the nearest police station or use the My SAPS app, downloadable for free.
